School year planning

Mississippi School Calendar

Mississippi schools typically start in early August, often the first or second week and wrap up late May.

Districts set their own calendars, so use the dates below as a guide and confirm with your local school system.

When does school start?

early August, often the first or second week

When does school end?

late May

Winter break

roughly two weeks from just before Christmas through early January

Spring break

one week in mid-to-late March

About the Mississippi school year

Mississippi districts generally begin earlier than the national average, often in the first or second week of August, which allows the year to wrap up before Memorial Day weekend. The Mississippi Department of Education sets instructional-hour minimums but leaves precise dates to local school boards. DeSoto County in the northern suburbs of Memphis has surpassed Jackson to become the state's largest district by enrollment. Charter school growth in Jackson has introduced additional calendar variation in the capital region.

Largest school districts in Mississippi

  • DeSoto County School District
  • Jackson Public Schools
  • Rankin County School District
  • Madison County School District
  • Harrison County School District

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does school start in Mississippi?

Most Mississippi public schools begin in early August, typically the first or second week of the month — earlier than many other states.

When is spring break in Mississippi?

Spring break in Mississippi usually falls in mid-to-late March, lasting one week, though exact dates differ by district.

When does the school year end in Mississippi?

Because of the early August start, most Mississippi schools finish by late May, often before Memorial Day weekend.

How long is winter break in Mississippi schools?

Winter break is typically about two weeks, running from just before Christmas through the first few days of January.

Want to count down the days? Browse school countdowns or see school calendars for every state.

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